Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology

03/24/2023

Nagish - Caption Your Phone Calls

Nagish - Live Transcribe Calls - Caption Your Calls
It is a call captioning app available on Apple and Android. The person keeps their number but makes calls within the app. The app provides captioning in real-time for voice calls only (plans to expand to video calls). Users can choose the voice (male, female, gender-neutral) that reads typed replies to the other person on the call. The app captions in about 5 languages. Users can create a custom vocabulary with the specific pronunciation of words. It is designed to work in countries that may not provide RTT/TTY services on cell phones.
https://nagish.com/
Here’s a video of the CEO talking about the app: https://youtube.com/watch?v=C73P8TdXAaQ&feature=share

Nagish captions your phone calls and empowers you to talk using text or voice. It's fast, private, and free.

03/24/2023

Assistive Technology Specialist

Come join our team!

We have an opening for an Assistive Technology Specialist that will assist with day to day activities for our AT Act program.

The position will be based in Homewood, Al. Occasional travel is required.

Apply at: https://www.troyuniversityjobs.com/postings/37353

Direct inquiries to [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: Position is located in Homewood, ALProvide support in the implementation and development of assistive technology services that fulfill requirements of the Assistive Technology Act to increase knowledge, access, and acquisition of assistive technology statewide.Maintain knowledge of curr...

03/23/2023

This is what it’s a all about! Assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering at its finest!!!!

03/22/2023

From gaming with your eyes to coding with AI: New frontiers for accessibility

From gaming with your eyes to coding with AI: New frontiers for accessibility
Becky Tyler has been an avid gamer since she was a child. Becky has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Becky uses eye gaze control for gaming, combine with an opensource program called EyeMine, part of the OptiKey project.
For more information, visit:
https://github.com/readme/featured/open-source-accessibility
Github link to EyeMine project
https://github.com/SpecialEffect/EyeMine
Github link to OptiKey Project:
https://github.com/OptiKey/OptiKey

Open source offers developers with disabilities the flexibility needed to participate and collaborate. Their contributions and involvement in the research, design, and development of software are i...

03/21/2023

Alabama At4all

Are you a teacher, therapist, job coach, parent, or caregiver working with an individual to increase independence or time management skills? Would you like to trial a visual/auditory timer to see if the device is the right fit for your training? APTAT currently has a Learning Resources Time Tracker available for short term loan.
The Time Tracker is a visual timer with a "traffic light concept". The timer can be programmed with a set time that is broken down into segments of time that is identified as green, yellow, or red lights. As the time gets closer to expiration the lights will shift to yellow and then to red. An optional auditory alert is also available.
Visit https://al.at4all.com/item/ to request the Time Tracker. Loans are available to Alabamian's at no cost and can be shipped directly to you.
Contact Ashley McLeroy for demonstrations or if you would like more information about incorporating visual timers with your consumer: [email protected]

03/20/2023

Pomofocus

The Pomodoro Technique is an effective productivity technique. It's a simple system that stops you from procrastinating or getting distracted so you can just get things done.

The Pomodoro Technique is basic, but it works. This technique is widely used to help individuals stay focused on their tasks by breaking up their work with short breaks.

The technique is broken up as follows:
* 25 minutes of work (known as a pomodoro)
* 5 minute break
* Repeat three more times

After 4 pomodoros, you will then take a 15 to 30 minute break, based on how you feel, and start the cycle over again.

There are a lot of free Promodora apps and websites.

Here is one recommended by our RE and AT specialists. .

https://pomofocus.io/

https://francescocirillo.com/products/the-pomodoro-technique

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique

A simple Pomodoro Timer app that works on a desktop & mobile browser. Pomofucus will help you manage your time and let you focus on any tasks such as study, writing, or coding.

03/19/2023

Who might be interested in learning more about assistive technology?

1. Teachers
2. Occupational, Physical, or Speech Therapists
3. HR or Equal Opportunity Teams
4. Disability Support Services
5. AT Specialists
6. People with disabilities
7. Primary Caregivers
8. Employers
9. Disability Service Providers
10. Everyone, actually...

Our hope is to help EVERYONE learn more about assistive technology because EVERYONE benefits from it! How can you learn more? Follow our social media pages, sign up for our e-newsletter, visit our blog, borrow from our AT library, request a demonstration, contact us. Visit www.startraining.org/events to find training opportunities including those offered from our APTAT webinar series. We're also taking suggestions on what type of technology you'd like highlighted for our webinar series.

Would you like AT Training for your conference, organization, or meeting? Contact Ashley McLeroy with your training requests. We can tailor our trainings to your specific assistive technology interests or we can provide general information on AT.
Email: [email protected]

03/17/2023

Alabama At4all

🌟Did you know that Alabamians can borrow assistive technology from our lending library for short term loans?🌟

Individuals with disabilities, service providers, professionals, or care givers can borrow a device:
1. To help with decision making before purchase
2. As a short term accommodation
3. For professional development
4. As a loaner during device repair or procurement

Go to https://al.at4all.com/item to see what we have available for check out from the APTAT program.

Contact Ashley McLeroy, [email protected], to find out more!

Image Description: A photo looking over a man's shoulder as he uses a BJOY chin mouse to access the computer in front of him.

03/17/2023

Aaron Swartz Day 2022 Day 1

Disability Technology Foundation

Liz Henry has started a new project attempting to improve access to assistive technology.
Disability Technology Foundation’s goal is to open license assistive tech of all kinds; to archive and share plans on how to build your own helpful devices, from pen holders to powerchairs.

For a talk about the project at the International Hackathon in 2022, visit:

https://www.youtube.com/live/BWfqV_adW54?feature=share&t=26310

And a brief article can be found at:
https://bookmaniac.org/2022/11/23/disability-technology-foundation-plans/

Aaron Swartz Day 2022 Day 1

03/17/2023

Great seeing aspiring engineers interested in assistive technology.

Hoover High School has been selected as a 2022 Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) School of Distinction for the capstone projects their Engineering Academy has been working on in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Program at ADRS. Students learn the design-thinking process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test) while working on projects that will benefit children and adults with disabilities. The partnership between the Engineering Academy and RE&AT program allows engineering students to learn the engineering process and how to design products to meet the needs of people with disabilities and encourages future engineers to work in the field of assistive technology. Hoover High School’s Engineering Academy will be recognized at an awards luncheon in Prattville this May for their extemporary work.

03/16/2023

Craft Activity for St. Patrick's Day – Paths to Literacy

Craft Activity for St. Patrick's Day from Paths To Literacy
This St. Patrick's Day craft activity for students who are blind or visually impaired works on fine motor skills, as well as positional concepts:

Paths to Literacy Craft Activity for St. Patrick's Day. For teachers, families, and others interested in literacy for children and youth with visual impairments

03/15/2023

Art Without Limits | How I use blender with a disability

Art Without Limits
Art without limits is an art studio focused on helping artists with disabilities unlock their full artistic potential through guides, articles, and creative assistive technologies.
The artist, Abdullah, write about how he, as an artist with spinal muscular atrophy, uses Blender with assistive technology to make art.
https://awl.studio/how-i-use-blender-with-a-disability

For images created by Abdulla, visit his Instagram feed:
https://www.instagram.com/arc4g/

My method and tools are very specific to my own needs.

03/15/2023

Join rehabilitation professionals from the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) for a discussion on how the use of assistive technology and workplace accommodations can help retain employees with disabilities.

Date: April 19th, 2023
Time 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Zoom

In this session you will be introduced to ADRS’ very effective job retention program known as RAVE. RAVE (retaining a valued employee) is a no cost, Vocational Rehabilitation service for employers that helps better manage disability in the workplace, lower disability-related costs, and retain valued employees whose job performance is impacted by illness, injury, or disability. Learn how your company can work with a business relations consultant and a rehabilitation engineer to help determine the right accommodation for your employees to be successful in their roles!

Lastly, hear from Alabama’s AT Act director on services available through the federally funded program which aims to expand assistive technology services in the state. Learn about their APT AT projects such as device loans for trial before you buy, device demonstrations to help you make informed decisions, and training for professional development. Let’s discuss how your organization can partner with APT AT to develop and expand your assistive technology implementation services.

It is our hope that this informational webinar will encourage you to work with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services by utilizing the services and resources available to help retain your employees with disabilities. This is an introductory session and additional training is available upon request.

Use the QR code or register now at https://lnkd.in/gPAdp5zV

Live captioning is available. If you have any questions or require additional accommodations, please contact Cassie Shropshire at [email protected]

03/14/2023

Our mission is to improve knowledge, acquisition, and access to assistive technology for Alabamians with disabilities. We're doing that by providing an assistive technology lending library for individuals to trial devices, AT training to increase knowledge of AT across the community, an AT demonstration center in Birmingham, and information about AT services as requested. Visit to learn more about our services.

How can you help us for free?
1. Share, like, or comment on our posts
2. Tell others that you heard about us
3. Schedule us to speak for your organization or event
4. Request trainings or demonstrations for you and your colleagues
5. Let us know about cool new products
6. Give us feedback on the types of technology and trainings you'd like to see us provide
7. Become an advocate for AT

03/13/2023

Software accessibility for users with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)

Software Accessibility for ADHD
When we talk about software accessibility, most people immediately think of access for someone who is blind or can’t use their hands. But software can be used to accommodate and enable people with all disability types. This article covers accessibility for people with attention deficit disorder, and addresses how software can help with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Let’s focus on cognitive accessibility of digital products and how to make them better for users with ADHD.

03/10/2023

Alabama At4all

🌟Did you know that Alabamians can borrow assistive technology from our lending library for short term loans?🌟

Individuals with disabilities, service providers, professionals, or care givers can borrow a device:
1. To help with decision making before purchase
2. As a short term accommodation
3. For professional development
4. As a loaner during device repair or procurement

Go to https://al.at4all.com/item to see what we have available for check out from the APTAT program.

Contact Ashley McLeroy, [email protected], to find out more!

Image Description: A photo looking over a man's shoulder as he uses a BJOY chin mouse to access the computer in front of him.

03/10/2023

3-D Printing and Materials from ActiveAccessEdu – Paths to Literacy

3-D Printing and Materials from ActiveAccessEdu
We have been developing products and 3D printing things around here since 2015, and we're glad to see educational materials that can be 3D printed have become more available.
Amanda Crayton developed ActiveAccessEdu LLC based on her decade working in special education.
Read about her and her company at:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/3-d-printing-and-materials-from-activeaccessedu/

Visit her Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ActiveAccessEdu

Find her designs on Thingiverse at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ActiveAccessEdu

Paths to Literacy 3-D Printing and Materials from ActiveAccessEdu. For teachers, families, and others interested in literacy for children and youth with visual impairments

03/08/2023

Great session at the Microsoft Ability Summit. Wonderful discussion of adapted gaming, ending with the hope that Adapted eSports will become more popular. we would like to see adapted eSports become availing to students with disabilities, just as sports are available for other students.

03/08/2023

New Lego Sets Feature Characters With A Range Of Disabilities

New Lego Sets Feature Characters With A Range Of Disabilities
Lego is offering up a host of new characters with disabilities as part of a broader push for more diversity within its toy lineup. The characters include those with Down syndrome, limb differences, anxiety, vitiligo and a dog with a wheelchair.

Lego is offering up a host of new characters with disabilities as part of a broader push for more diversity within its toy lineup.

03/06/2023

See Me Cane
This newly released ridged white cane with standard grip, reflective white shaft, red bottom, and marshmallow tip adds a new safety feature: full LED illumination makes the user highly visible at night. Watching a video demo, it looks like Anakin Skywalker’s blue light saber. Price is $200, but there is a $75 off promo code on the Blind Life YouTube channel.

https://www.seemecane.com/

For a review and promo code, visit: https://youtu.be/73S5tcEr6Co

03/05/2023

March 7, 10am EST. Register for free.

March 7, 10am EST. Register for free.

Free disability inclusion webinar.

03/05/2023

Our mission is to improve knowledge, acquisition, and access to assistive technology for Alabamians with disabilities. We're doing that by providing an assistive technology lending library for individuals to trial devices, AT training to increase knowledge of AT across the community, an AT demonstration center in Birmingham, and information about AT services as requested. Visit to learn more about our services.

How can you help us for free?
1. Share, like, or comment on our posts
2. Tell others that you heard about us
3. Schedule us to speak for your organization or event
4. Request trainings or demonstrations for you and your colleagues
5. Let us know about cool new products
6. Give us feedback on the types of technology and trainings you'd like to see us provide
7. Become an advocate for AT

03/03/2023

Alabama At4all

🌟Did you know that Alabamians can borrow assistive technology from our lending library for short term loans?🌟

Individuals with disabilities, service providers, professionals, or care givers can borrow a device:
1. To help with decision making before purchase
2. As a short term accommodation
3. For professional development
4. As a loaner during device repair or procurement

Go to https://al.at4all.com/item to see what we have available for check out from the APTAT program.

Contact Ashley McLeroy, [email protected], to find out more!

Image Description: A photo looking over a man's shoulder as he uses a BJOY chin mouse to access the computer in front of him.

03/03/2023

Master the Windows key alphabet with these 10 amazing keyboard shortcuts - OnMSFT.com

Windows Key Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts have long been a staple in assistive technology for improving work efficiency or accommodating people with disabilities. Keyboard shortcuts allow people to be more productive because they don’t have to take their hands off the keyboard and use the mouse to drill down through menus to find a needed command, and they make it possible for people who are blind to use a graphical user interface without a mouse. They also make it easier to create voice commands to accomplish tasks for users of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Commands that include the Windows Logo Key (looks like a window) make it possible to easily access important parts of the Window’s operating system, such as using Win+ E to launch the file explorer.
For more details, visit

Improve your productivity with these useful keyboard shortcuts that can be activated using the Windows key alphabet. Learn how to master the Windows key alphabet with these amazing keyboard shortcuts and save time while working on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.

03/02/2023

Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology - YouTube

Missed our webinars? Don't worry! You can still catch up and broaden your assistive technology knowledge.

Visit our Youtube Channel for recorded content

Dela dina videor med vänner, familj och hela världen.

03/02/2023

We reached out to the Center for Assistive Technology Training and asked which AT for vision they would highlight for AT Awareness day. They said Code Jumper, hands down! Check out this post I found on their page featuring their Code Jumper training!

03/01/2023

Representative Scott National AT Awareness Day Remarks

We're so grateful for support from our nation's leaders. Listen to Representative Scott speak on the importance of AT Awareness Day.

March 1, 2023 is National AT Awareness Day

03/01/2023

As we near the end of AT Awareness Day we want to hear from you! What is your favorite assistive technology device?

03/01/2023

At APTAT we are passionate about bringing awareness to assistive technology and most often we do that through AT Trainings. Whether it's for educators, employers, or service providers we want to help you improve your knowledge of AT! We can customize our trainings to fit your organizations goals. Just let us know how we can help!

03/01/2023

For individuals who struggle to remember how to perform daily tasks there are low tech and high tech options. Video modeling is one of our favorite tools for vocational and independent living applications.

Pictured is the Goally app which is a comprehensive scheduling tool that can include pictures and video. Avail is another favorite of ours and there are many more. Let us know if we can help you compare your options!

03/01/2023

People with cognitive difficulties use AT to: enhance their ability to perform daily tasks

Traumatic brain injury, cognitive delays, progressive disorders, and learning disabilities can increase the difficulty of perform daily tasks such as remembering to take medication, how to perform a task at work, reading, and more. There are so many devices that can help someone perform tasks independently that it can be overwhelming to know what's right for you. Reach out to APTAT if you need guidance on what is out there for your particular goal.

A fantastic resource for individuals with TBI is the ADRS TBI Program. Their staff are highly trained in helping individuals and families navigate resources, create vocational or educational plans, and linking consumers up with AT Specialists. Learn more about the TBI Program here: https://rehab.alabama.gov/services/vr/tbi

Follow our page to learn more about assistive technology.

03/01/2023

Trialing Voiceitt with custom phrases

Throwback to one of our favorite AT users trialing the VoiceITT app for communication. We love being able to provide demonstrations of AT so individuals can make informed decisions before purchasing the technology. We're able to do this through our AT Act funding! Let us know if there's anything you'd like to trial.

Visual description: Video is of Nakisha sitting in front of an iPad. On the screen is the Voiceitt app displaying a large speak button. When she presses the speak button and says the activation command it displays and speaks a full phrase.

03/01/2023

People with speech impairments use AT to: communicate more clearly and effectively

Communication is necessary in all aspects of life. For those with communication delays or impairment it can be frustrating to clearly communicate needs and wants. We're glad there are dedicated innovators and professionals who help these individuals by developing and recommending AT for communication.

Did you know ADRS Children's Rehab Services provides an Augmentative Communication Clinic for individuals who need assistive technology? The speech and language pathologists who coordinate these clinics are top experts in the state on AT for communication. A valuable resource for sure!

Find out more at https://rehab.alabama.gov/services/crs

Follow our page to learn more about assistive technology.